High School Sports:

In 26 years of covering high school and local college sports within the southern section, I can only think of one reporter that was universally liked and respected by everyone.

And his name is Steve Ramirez.

The 63-year-old Ramirez got awesome news on Monday.

He’ll be part of his beloved Northview High School’s Hall of Fame class of 2025.

Ramirez is a 1979 NHS grad, and he took pride in being part of the school newspaper.

Steve wasn’t particularly athletic, so he made a career of covering high school and college sports.

He became a freelancer in 1986 at the SGV Tribune.

Eleven years later, he was hired and served proudly as a staff writer.

Ramirez covered high school and college sports from 1997-2017.

Since 2017, he’s served as a city editor for all 11 newspapers within the SCNG.

Ramirez held the title of prep editor from 2000-2003.

His career is pretty remarkable.

Aside from high school and college sports, Ramirez was named the NHRA Media Award winner in 1999.

He covered six Rose Bowl and two BCS national championship games.

In 2010, he was in the press box when Alabama defeated Texas, and four years later, Ramirez worked the Florida State-Auburn game.

“From the time I was a little kid, I was enamored with sports,” he said. “I can remember being 10 and wanting Vin Scully’s job. In high school, I was on the school newspaper and my teacher (Glenda Sweger) thought enough of me to suggest that I go to Cal State Fullerton.”

Along with Mrs. Sweger, Ramirez said Jay Berman, his newspaper advisor at CSUF served as an inspirational figure and taught him how to write and cover games.

Some of the great local athletes that he covered included Lawrence Phillips (West Covina/Baldwin Park/Nebraska/LA Rams), Shaun Cody (Los Altos/USC/Lions/Texans), Jason Giambi (South Hills/CSULB/A’s/Yankees), Tracy Murray (Glendora/UCLA/Portland) and Keith Van Horn (Diamond Bar/Utah/Mavericks).

Ramirez said the late Greg Gano and Steve Bogan are two of the greatest coaches he’s shared a sideline with, and he’s especially proud of where Marcel Perez has taken the Northview football program.

I asked Ramirez: What makes this special for you?

“I’ve always loved the school. I never really thought I’d receive an honor like this, and that enough people thought highly enough of the work I’ve done. I’m proud of being from Covina and calling Northview my school. I’m happy about how advanced most of the programs have become. It was a baseball school back in the late 60’s and 70’s. Dave Ochoa and Bobby Bellamy turned the wrestling program into a state power.”

And timely enough, the great Bobby Bellamy is also part of the 2025 HOF class.

One of the great things about Ramirez is that you’d never know he was a Northview grad or a UCLA fan by reading his stories.

“It was hard to watch and cover it and not be cheering, but you have to be professional,” he said. “Covering Northview, I’d always tell people that I check my alumni card at the door.”

The two people Steve wishes he could share this happy news with are his parents, Ralph and Hortensia Ramirez.

Mr. and Mrs. Ramirez passed away in 2012 and 2014, respectively.

“They would be thrilled. They were always proud of what I’ve done. My mom would save the clippings from every story I ever wrote.”

Well, Steve, they are undoubtedly still beaming with pride.

You’re a terrific sportswriter, and an even better man.

“Steve Ramirez was and is ‘good people,’ Bonita football coach Steve Bogan said. “He’s just a solid and real person. And as a reporter, he was one those who accurately covered a story without using embellishment to stretch the story.  Trustworthy fits Steve Ramirez well.”

Congratulations to you and the entire Northview High School class of 2025.

Northview Class of 2025:
Bobby Bellamy (21-time CIF championship wrestling coach)
Keith Lockhart (MLB player)
Bill Musick (all-CIF football player)
Jim Milhon (football coach)
Steve Ramirez (SGV area sportswriter)